The Death Domain delves into the profound aspects of mortality and the forces that underlie the transition from life to death. Within this domain, a connection is forged with the very essence of death itself, encompassing not only the natural end of life but also the potent negative energy that fuels the creation of undead beings.
Deities who preside over the Death Domain possess an intimate understanding of the delicate balance between life and death. To them, death is not a mere ending, but a vital part of the cycle of existence. These deities might be seen as shepherds of souls, guiding them through the transition from the mortal realm to the beyond. In this role, they uphold the cosmic order, ensuring that every living being eventually embraces their final journey.
Yet, the Death Domain also touches upon the macabre and unsettling aspects of the multiverse. The negative energy that courses through this domain is a wellspring for the creation of undead entities—twisted echoes of life sustained by unnatural forces. Clerics of the Death Domain wield this energy with purpose, whether as a means of protection, a method of control, or a way to tip the scales in the favor of death’s dominion.
Followers of deities within the Death Domain are often drawn to the study of necromancy, seeking to unblock the secrets of death and decay. While some view necromancy as a taboo, those who revere these deities understand that is can be a means to honor the natural order of the cosmos. They may channel negative energy only to strengthen undead long enough to destroy a greater evil before retrieving their energy and destroying the undead. However, an equal—if not greater—number use this power for evil, animating undead and using them as slaves, minions, or pawns.
Domain Spells
1st-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
You gain the following spells at the listed cleric levels as domain spells.
| Cleric Level | Spells |
|---|
| 1st | false life, ray of sickness |
| 3rd | blindness/deafness, ray of enfeeblement |
| 5th | animate dead, vampiric touch |
| 7th | blight, death ward |
| 9th | antilife shell, cloudkill |
Bonus Proficiency
1st-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
You gain proficiency with martial weapons.
Reaper
1st-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
You learn one necromancy cantrip of your choice from any spell list. When you cast a necromancy cantrip that normally targets only one creature, the spell can instead target two creatures within range and within 5 feet of each other.
Channel Divinity: Touch of Death
2nd-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
You can use Channel Divinity to destroy another creature’s life force by touch. When you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can use Channel Divinity to deal extra negative energy damage to the target. The damage equals 5 + twice your cleric level.
Inescapable Destruction
6th-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
Your ability to channel negative energy becomes more potent. Negative energy damage dealt by your cleric spells, divine strikes, and Channel Divinity options ignores resistance to negative energy damage.
Divine Strike
8th-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
You gain the ability to infuse your weapon strikes with negative energy. Once on each of your turns when you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can cause the attack to deal an extra 1d8 negative energy damage to the target. When you reach 14th level, the extra damage increases to 2d8.
Improved Reaper
17th-Level Cleric (Death Domain) Feature
When you cast a necromancy spell of 1st through 5th level that targets only one creature, the spell can instead target two creatures within range and within 5 feet of each other. You must provide material components for each target.
Deities of the Death Domain
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